For years Ray shared the country around his property with a number of feral buffalo. Like many Territorians, he enjoyed seeing them. Feral buffalo have been part of the Northern Territory landscape since their introduction in the mid-1800s and remain an icon of the Top End. Massive old bulls are an impressive sight and a reminder of the wild nature of northern Australia.
What Ray didn't realise was that one particular bull had begun frequenting his property.
Over time, sections of fencing were mysteriously knocked down and his young pet buffalo, Boris, was repeatedly harassed by a larger animal. The damage continued and the situation gradually escalated, though the culprit remained unseen.
Eventually, the mystery was solved.
A mature wild bull had been crossing onto the property and targeting Boris. These old buffalo are not animals to be taken lightly. Hardened by years in the bush, large bulls are immensely powerful and have been responsible for serious injuries and fatalities across northern Australia.
The situation finally came to a head when the rogue bull was discovered sheltering beneath Ray's shed. This time there would be no second chances. The buffalo was dropped, processed and packed into the freezer, bringing an end to the ongoing damage and conflict.
The skull pictured here has spent several weeks weathering in the backyard, a reminder of one of the Territory's toughest and most iconic feral animals.